Gift Focus - Nov/Dec 2018 (Issue 110)

Start the new year by seeking out the latest new ranges, innovative producers and gifts at Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring. The 2019 show has attracted more than 150 new exhibitors, offering excellent buying opportunities for quality gifts, homewares, crafts, textiles, fashion accessories and jewellery. Mark Saunders, show director, said: “Retail in Scotland has mirrored the rest of the UK. However, it has been another successful tourist season, and this has kept footfall steady throughout the shops and stores that cater for a slice of these customers. If the last quarter performs well, then we anticipate a good turnout in January and confident demand for new stock.” The Launch Gallery, where new exhibitors have pride of place in the centre of the show, is the first stop for many visitors. There you will find Kushboo Soaps, Blue Ranchu gifts, Wild Rose Interiors, Wee Book Company, Coppertop Croft, The Moffat Perfume Company, Botanic Isles Jewellery, Port In My Storm Designs, Gallery Art Publications, Silver Sparrow Jewellery and Black Cat Soap House, as well as many more. New for 2019 are some great names in giftware including Wrendale Designs, The Highland Soap Company, Channel Jumpers, Bucktrout Tailoring Ltd, the Tartan Centre Wales and Strathurie Scotland. Craft excellence is located at the front of the show in the Craft Gallery, where specially selected craft producers of textiles, jewellery and fashion accessories showcase their latest designs. Featured are producers such as Warped Textiles, Tasteful Tartans, Pick One, Olive Pearson Designs and Green Thomas. The event’s backbone are its established exhibitors such as Bronte by Moon, Sea Gems, The Orkney Isles, House of Edgar, Emma Ball, Portmeirion, Bookspeed and Richard Lang. Many will be launching 2019 ranges. Improve your retail skills at the Seminar Theatre, where retail experts will provide workshops and seminars on many vital aspects. Ian Retallick will present “how independent retailers can take on the giants and win,” and Lynda Murray will give advice on visual merchandising. Liz Melville will also give valuable practical know-how on Facebook and social media for business, and an expert from O Communications will demonstrate how to work with influencers. Janie Newman from Visit Scotland will also speak on maximising the tourist market. Not only that, there’s also the opportunity for the brave to enter Nessie’s Den – a new feature for the 2019 show that gives exhibitors the chance to pitch their products to three key buyers in an entertaining and useful interactive session. The Best Product Awards will be judged and awarded by retail experts on the opening morning of the show and showcased as a central feature. HEAD TO SCOTLAND Glasgow plays host to the show that offers plenty of chances to stock up for 2019 Scotland’s Trade Fair spring takes place with Scotland’s Speciality Food Show. For further information visit scotlandtradefairs.co.uk IN BRIEF Show Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring Organiser Springboard Events Where SEC, Glasgow When 20 th –22 nd January, 2019 Website scotlandtradefairs.co.uk Twitter @ScotTradeFair giftfocus 73 Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring